Apparently the world’s lightest and thinnest 16in machine currently available – it measures 396 x 272 x 20mm and weighs 2kg — the Z has a 1600 x 900 display and can be fitted with either a 1.4GHz or 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

Dell can slot up to 4GB of DDR 3 memory into the Latitude Z and equip it with dual SSDs – each with a capacity of up to 256GB. Graphics are delivered courtesy of Intel’s Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, the PC firm said.

Recent rumours of wireless charging for the Latitude Z were true, because the machine’s optional accessories include a Dell Wireless Power Notebook Stand. A Dell Wireless Dock will also arrive in late October, Dell promised.

Log in using webcam-based facial recognition

The machine’s standard four-cell battery will keep going for around four hours, Dell said, while a bulkier eight-cell battery is also available.

Other notable Latitude Z features include a 2Mp webcam, which you can use to log onto the machine through facial recognition, and... er... a “silky touch” backlit keyboard. The display also boasts a touch-sensitive strip down one side that provides easy access to a set of customisable applications.

Slim pickings?

The machine ships running Windows Vista, but a Linux-based quick boot feature called Latitude On also allows for almost instant access to email and the web.

Dell’s Latitude Z is available now, but - as you might expect, doesn’t come cheap – it has a starting price of £1319 ($2093/€1434). ®